substance misuse

The purpose of this review is to summarize policy research findings in the area of maternal prenatal substance abuse to (1) inform and advance this field, (2) identify future research needs, (3) inform policy making and (4) identify implications for policy. As a review, this is a systematic analysis of existing data (findings) on maternal drug use during pregnancy for determining the best policy among the alternatives for dealing with drug using mothers and their children.

The National Drug Evidence Centre (NDEC, formerly Drug Misuse Research Unit) has long established expertise in drug misuse prevalence work, evaluative and outcomes research, the use of epidemiological indicators, and information in evidence based policy making. Senior staff are involved in national policy initiatives and in provision of advice regarding health care and criminal justice responses. NDEC is one of the leading units in the country engaged in research in the area of drug misuse.

This was an annual paper, which provided statistics of drug-related deaths that were registered in Scotland over the period from 1996 to 2007. The figures were produced using a definition of "drug-related deaths" which was introduced in 2001 for the "baseline" figures for the UK Drugs Strategy.

A key part of the Government’s alcohol harm reduction strategy is to monitor changes in drinking habits over time and to identify what factors are potentially contributing to the rising levels of consumption. Reviews research and highlights trends in alcohol consumption over the last 20 to 30 years. A key part of the Government’s alcohol harm reduction strategy is to monitor changes in drinking habits over time and to identify what factors are potentially contributing to the rising levels of consumption.

STRADA is Scotland’s leading workforce development organisation in the field of substance misuse. This document covers all aspects of STRADA's work including contracted work with the Scottish Government and commissioned learning and development projects.

The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) aims to increase the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England. This site includes details of the NTA's work programme, as well as publications and guidance for those in the drug treatment sector.